The Chaparral Biome (also known as "Scrub" or "Brush Land") are communities composed of dense, spiny shrubs with tough evergreenleaves, often coated with waxy material. (3) Chaparral Biomes are found in many parts of every continent but people don't realize it is the same Biome. This is because the Chaparral's terrain varies- some are flat plains and some are hills. (2) The Chaparral biome is home to many burrowing animals. These animals include ground Squirrels, Jack Rabbits, Gophers, Skunks, Toads, Lizards, Snakes, and Mice. There are also other animals such as Pumas, Foxes, Owls, Eagles, Deer, Quail, Wild Goats, Spiders, Scorpions, and various kinds of insects. (1)This is the smallest biome on Earth, so if you are looking for a summer worth of different places, this is perfect for you!
Where in the World? Interactive Map
Link: http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=282792 Video above made by the Chaparral Biome team. This is a video that highlights areas where the Chaparral biome can be found. The Chaparral biome is found is most continents- the west coast of the United States, the west coast of South America, in Cape Town of South Africa, the western tip of Australia, and in the coastal areas of the Mediterranean. (4)
Chaparral in South Africa
African and Australia formations of Mediterranean Shrubland are the most unusual. They are geologically much older, receive more rainfall, grow on flat land with poor soil, and are more biologically diverse than any other formations. Renosterveld closely resembles Earth's other Mediterranean Scrub regions. Renosterveld lies along the coastal lowlands at the foot of various mountain ranges, known as the Coastal Folded Belt. These mountain ranges separate the western and southern boundaries of the Cape. (4)
Take a hike up Klapmuts Hill in Renosterveld!
Plants
At the very southern tip of Africa, in Cape Province, lies the local regional formation of the Mediterranean shrub. The entire Cape region is known to botanists as the Cape Floristic Kingdom. The scrub part of the Cape Kingdom is considered the most biologically diverse of all the Mediterranean shrub-land formations. Most of the florahere is of Tropical origin but has adapted to the Mediterranean Climate. (4)
Coastal Renosterveld is made up of a layer of low shrubs (3-5ft). Below this is a layer of grasses and perennials. Some of the most common shrubs are wild rosemary and dune teabush. Larger shrubs that are up to 10ft tall sometimes poke up above the lower shrubs. (4)
The dominant plant here is called the Renosterbos, it is a member of the daisy family. It can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has been used by native Africans as medicine and as fuel. (4)
Renosterbos
Climate & Terrain
It rains frequently in the winter, from May to September, in the cape region. Unlike typical Mediterranean climates, rain does fall here in the summer, but only for a few days each month. Winds are constant here as well which contributes to the dry conditions. (4)
Chaparral Biomes have varying terrains. Some of the Chaparrals are flat plains and some are hills.(2)
South African Chaparral: Animals
When the Renosterveld formations were much more widespread, they supported a diversity of large animals. Here you can find grazing animals such as Mountain Zebra, Eland, Red-Hartebeest, Buffalo, Elephant,and Black Rhinoceros. Many carnivores hunted these and other smaller mammals, but very few Leopards, Cheetahs, Lions, or Spotted-Hyenas are left in the region. (4)
Mountain Zebra
This species lives in breeding herds, consisting of one adult male, one to five adult females and their young. Most Cape mountain zebra young leave their maternal herds of their own choice between 13 and 37 months of age, or about three months after the birth of a sibling. Hartmann’s mountain zebra mares try to expel their 14 to 16 month old foals from the herd before the birth of a sibling. Young males may wander alone for a while before joining a bachelor group, while females are either taken into another breeding herd or are joined by a bachelor male to form a new breeding herd. The Mountain Zebra is found on mountainous slopes and plateaus.Their diet consists of grass but also includes leaves and bark. Cape mountain zebra must drink every day, whereas Hartmann’s mountain zebra can go two or more days without drinking water during the wet season. (9)
Come see stunning Mountain Zebras
Eland
The eland is one of the largest antelopes in existence. It has a tan colored coat turning slightly bluish-grey on the neck and shoulders. Both male and female Elands have sharp horns on the top of their heads. The adult elands can be identified by the large fold of loose skin that hangs below the throat. The common eland has a fairly small and pointed mouth, small narrow ears, and a long tail. A clicking noise can be heard as the eland roams around its habitat, this unusual sound is the result both feet hitting each other. A male eland’s length can be 240-345 centimeters. And a female eland’s length can be anywhere from 200-280 centimeters. (8)
The common Eland
Black Rhinoceros
Black Rhinoceros
The Black Rhinoceros is the most well-known out of five living rhinoceros species. It is aggressive and highly publicized for international conversation. Black Rhinoceros are actually grey and color and can be distinguished from other species by its pointed upper lip. The Black Rhinoceros has two horns, and the front horn is always taller than the back horn. Black Rhinos live alone and give birth to a single calf every 2-4 years. (7)
Food Web
Food Web for the Chaparral Biome
Chaparral in Australia
This view and more are even better in person, visit the Chaparral!
If you are looking to go visit a Chaparral biome in Australia, the Southern coast is the place to go! Make sure to bring a camera for the breathtaking views. The peak seasons for rain is April to October, so if you are planning your trip for these months, bring a rain coat and umbrella! Summer storms are also popular, providing Australia with one of the most hydrated Chaparrals. Also, make sure to stay cool and dress in light clothing because it can get hot. Be ready to stop, drop, and roll at any given moment! Forest fires are common so it is a good idea to brush up on your fire safety skills and procedures to be safe. If you are a big fan of burrowing animals, this is not the scrub to visit because there are none besides termites. No need to worry though, this habitat is filled with cute kangaroos!
Animals in Australia
Did you know that the Grey Kangaroo is a mammal and has a herbivore diet? They can grow up to 7 feet and weigh up to 120 pounds. When the kangaroos travel in groups, it is called mobs. They can hop at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Make sure not to get in their way!
This is a Grey Kangaroo with its baby.
Chaparral in California
Around the West coast of the U.S. there are chaparral biomes. One place is California with summers that are nice and warm, and winters that are mild, and wet, also known as a Mediterranean climate. Throughout the state of California, the chaparral biome covers 5% of the land. (14)
Animals in California
California Quail
The California Quail is a common bird from Western USA. Quails fly in groups, called coveys, of 10-20 birds. These plump birds live in the woodlands, chaparral, desert edges, and in grassy valleys. The California Quail is 9-10 inches long. They have short, black bills and a tall forward-pointing head. Their sides are brown with white streaks. Male quails have a black throat and black face bordered by a white streak. The female is duller and lacks distinctive markings. Quails eat mostly seeds and leaves and sometimes insects. (15)
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Table of Contents
Introduction
The Chaparral Biome (also known as "Scrub" or "Brush Land") are communities composed of dense, spiny shrubs with tough evergreenleaves, often coated with waxy material. (3) Chaparral Biomes are found in many parts of every continent but people don't realize it is the same Biome. This is because the Chaparral's terrain varies- some are flat plains and some are hills. (2) The Chaparral biome is home to many burrowing animals. These animals include ground Squirrels, Jack Rabbits, Gophers, Skunks, Toads, Lizards, Snakes, and Mice. There are also other animals such as Pumas, Foxes, Owls, Eagles, Deer, Quail, Wild Goats, Spiders, Scorpions, and various kinds of insects. (1) This is the smallest biome on Earth, so if you are looking for a summer worth of different places, this is perfect for you!Where in the World? Interactive Map
Link:
http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=282792
Video above made by the Chaparral Biome team. This is a video that highlights areas where the Chaparral biome can be found.
The Chaparral biome is found is most continents- the west coast of the United States, the west coast of South America, in Cape Town of South Africa, the western tip of Australia, and in the coastal areas of the Mediterranean. (4)
Chaparral in South Africa
African and Australia formations of Mediterranean Shrubland are the most unusual. They are geologically much older, receive more rainfall, grow on flat land with poor soil, and are more biologically diverse than any other formations. Renosterveld closely resembles Earth's other Mediterranean Scrub regions. Renosterveld lies along the coastal lowlands at the foot of various mountain ranges, known as the Coastal Folded Belt. These mountain ranges separate the western and southern boundaries of the Cape. (4)Plants
At the very southern tip of Africa, in Cape Province, lies the local regional formation of the Mediterranean shrub. The entire Cape region is known to botanists as the Cape Floristic Kingdom. The scrub part of the Cape Kingdom is considered the most biologically diverse of all the Mediterranean shrub-land formations. Most of the florahere is of Tropical origin but has adapted to the Mediterranean Climate. (4)Coastal Renosterveld is made up of a layer of low shrubs (3-5ft). Below this is a layer of grasses and perennials. Some of the most common shrubs are wild rosemary and dune teabush. Larger shrubs that are up to 10ft tall sometimes poke up above the lower shrubs. (4)
The dominant plant here is called the Renosterbos, it is a member of the daisy family. It can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has been used by native Africans as medicine and as fuel. (4)
Climate & Terrain
It rains frequently in the winter, from May to September, in the cape region. Unlike typical Mediterranean climates, rain does fall here in the summer, but only for a few days each month. Winds are constant here as well which contributes to the dry conditions. (4)Chaparral Biomes have varying terrains. Some of the Chaparrals are flat plains and some are hills.(2)
South African Chaparral: Animals
When the Renosterveld formations were much more widespread, they supported a diversity of large animals. Here you can find grazing animals such as Mountain Zebra, Eland, Red-Hartebeest, Buffalo, Elephant,and Black Rhinoceros. Many carnivores hunted these and other smaller mammals, but very few Leopards, Cheetahs, Lions, or Spotted-Hyenas are left in the region. (4)Mountain Zebra
This species lives in breeding herds, consisting of one adult male, one to five adult females and their young. Most Cape mountain zebra young leave their maternal herds of their own choice between 13 and 37 months of age, or about three months after the birth of a sibling. Hartmann’s mountain zebra mares try to expel their 14 to 16 month old foals from the herd before the birth of a sibling. Young males may wander alone for a while before joining a bachelor group, while females are either taken into another breeding herd or are joined by a bachelor male to form a new breeding herd. The Mountain Zebra is found on mountainous slopes and plateaus.Their diet consists of grass but also includes leaves and bark. Cape mountain zebra must drink every day, whereas Hartmann’s mountain zebra can go two or more days without drinking water during the wet season. (9)Eland
The eland is one of the largest antelopes in existence. It has a tan colored coat turning slightly bluish-grey on the neck and shoulders. Both male and female Elands have sharp horns on the top of their heads. The adult elands can be identified by the large fold of loose skin that hangs below the throat. The common eland has a fairly small and pointed mouth, small narrow ears, and a long tail. A clicking noise can be heard as the eland roams around its habitat, this unusual sound is the result both feet hitting each other. A male eland’s length can be 240-345 centimeters. And a female eland’s length can be anywhere from 200-280 centimeters. (8)Black Rhinoceros
The Black Rhinoceros is the most well-known out of five living rhinoceros species. It is aggressive and highly publicized for international conversation. Black Rhinoceros are actually grey and color and can be distinguished from other species by its pointed upper lip. The Black Rhinoceros has two horns, and the front horn is always taller than the back horn. Black Rhinos live alone and give birth to a single calf every 2-4 years. (7)
Food Web
Chaparral in Australia
If you are looking to go visit a Chaparral biome in Australia, the Southern coast is the place to go! Make sure to bring a camera for the breathtaking views. The peak seasons for rain is April to October, so if you are planning your trip for these months, bring a rain coat and umbrella! Summer storms are also popular, providing Australia with one of the most hydrated Chaparrals. Also, make sure to stay cool and dress in light clothing because it can get hot. Be ready to stop, drop, and roll at any given moment! Forest fires are common so it is a good idea to brush up on your fire safety skills and procedures to be safe. If you are a big fan of burrowing animals, this is not the scrub to visit because there are none besides termites. No need to worry though, this habitat is filled with cute kangaroos!
Animals in Australia
Did you know that the Grey Kangaroo is a mammal and has a herbivore diet? They can grow up to 7 feet and weigh up to 120 pounds. When the kangaroos travel in groups, it is called mobs. They can hop at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Make sure not to get in their way!Chaparral in California
Around the West coast of the U.S. there are chaparral biomes. One place is California with summers that are nice and warm, and winters that are mild, and wet, also known as a Mediterranean climate. Throughout the state of California, the chaparral biome covers 5% of the land. (14)Animals in California
The California Quail is a common bird from Western USA. Quails fly in groups, called coveys, of 10-20 birds. These plump birds live in the woodlands, chaparral, desert edges, and in grassy valleys. The California Quail is 9-10 inches long. They have short, black bills and a tall forward-pointing head. Their sides are brown with white streaks. Male quails have a black throat and black face bordered by a white streak. The female is duller and lacks distinctive markings. Quails eat mostly seeds and leaves and sometimes insects. (15)
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~Works Cited~
(1) About.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2013. <http://biology.about.com/od/landbiomes/a/aa060906a.htm>.(2) "BioExpedition: Chaparral Biome." BioExpedition. BioExpedition.com, n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2013. <http://bioexpedition.com/chaparral-biome/>. Website containing information about plants, organisms, characteristics, threats, and conservation
(3) Centraliahs: Chaparral. Centraliah High School, n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2013. <http://www.centraliahs.org/personnel/teachers_faculty/science/becker/biome%20web%20page/chaparral.htm>. Website containing information on Major characteristics, climate, organisms of the Chaparral Biome.
(4) Warhol, Tom. Chaparral and Scrub. New York: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, 2007. Print.
(5) Woodward, Susan L. Biomes of Earth: Terrestrial, Aquatic, and Human-dominated. Westport: Greenwood, 2003. Print.
(6) Arkive. Wildscreen, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2013. <http://www.arkive.org/banded-hare-wallaby/lagostrophus-fasciatus/>.
(7) Arkive: Black Rhinoceros. Arkive, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2013. <http://www.arkive.org/black-rhinoceros/diceros-bicornis/>.
(8) Arkive: Eland. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2013. <http://www.arkive.org/common-eland/tragelaphus-oryx/>. eland
(9) Arkive: Mountain Zebra. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2013. <http://www.arkive.org/mountain-zebra/equus-zebra/>. Mountain Zebra
(10) "Cape grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis)." Arkive. Wildscreen, 2013. Web. 26 Mar. 2013. <http://www.arkive.org/cape-grysbok/raphicerus-melanotis/>.
(11) "Eastern Gray Kangaroo Macropus Giganteus." National Geographic. National Geographic Society, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2013. <http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/gray-kangaroo/?source=A-to-Z>.
(12) "The Future of Wetlands." Biomes of the Earth Online. Infobase Publishing. Web. 22 Mar. 2013. <http://online.factsonfile.com/RecURL.aspx?did=57399>.
(13) "Wildscreen." Arkive. http://www.arkive.org/tasmanian-devil/sarcophilus-harrisii/, n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013. <http://Tasmanian devil>.
(14) Chaparral. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2013. <http://www.calacademy.org/exhibits/california_hotspot/habitat_mediterranean_shrublands.htm >.
(15) EnchantedLearning. EnchantedLearning.com, n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013. <http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/birds/printouts/Quailprintout.shtml>. California Quail